The Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday approved Chuck Hagel’s nomination to the Senate as the Secretary of Defense in a partisan vote of 14-11.

The decision didn’t come easily. In a two hour back and forth debate, Hagel faced off against Republicans who question his leadership potential. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who has been criticized for his previous ‘roast’ of Hagel during the confirmation hearing, wasn’t letting up.

Cruz criticized Hagel for not disclosing funding sources, leading him to suggest Hagel might have been funded by radicals. Cruz also said that if Hagel is confirmed, it will make military conflict substantially more likely in the next four years.

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said Cruz crossed the line with his strong attacks against Hagel.

“He basically has impugned the patriotism of the nominee,” Nelson complained.

Republican Sen. John McCain, who has been critical of Hagel’s opposition the the Iraq troop “surge,” also lectured the Texas freshman.

“No one on this committee at any time should impugn his character and integrity,” McCain said of Hagel.

Hagel will need 60 votes to secure the position. He is all but guaranteed the 55 Democrats and Independents, and according to the Associated Press, he has won the support of at least two Republicans.

★ The house will meet to consider a bill that would clarify that houses of worship are eligible for disaster relief: 12 p.m.

★ Economic indicators: Bureau of the Census will release statistics on monthly retail trade and food service data.

★ Economic indicators: Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its monthly data on changes in the prices of non-military goods and services traded between the United States and the rest of the world. 8:30 a.m.

★ Feb. 14 House Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements will hold a hearing titled, “The Effects of Rising Energy Costs on American Families and Employers.”

★ Feb. 15 The House is expected to complete consideration of a bill that would eliminate the statutory pay adjustment for federal employees.

★ Feb. 25 National Academy of Sciences will hold a panel discussion on sports related concussions in youth

Today in Texas History

On this date in 1861, Robert E. Lee resigned his commission in the United States Army while stationed at Fort Mason to avoid taking command of the Union army and fighting against his home state of Virginia. More>>>